Equality Caucus Responds to Biden Administration Declaring Monkeypox a Public Health Emergency

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Biden Administration declared monkeypox a public health emergency. Two weeks ago, Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01), and members of the Equality Caucus joined with their House colleagues in calling for the Biden Administration to declare monkeypox a public health emergency. This action gives the Administration access to additional tools and powers to address the outbreak and spread of the monkeypox virus.

"Declaring monkeypox as a public health emergency is a critical step in addressing the spread and impact of this outbreak. Although the virus can be contracted by anyone, monkeypox is disproportionately impacting men who have sex with men and members of the LGBTQI+ community. More must be done to ensure this community's and everyone's safety and health." said Chair Cicilline (RI-01). "As we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing the health and safety of every American must be a top priority and we must act without delay. The Biden Administration must expeditiously make a formal budget request to Congress outlining the resources they need to address this outbreak, stop the spread, and support those who have contracted the virus. The Administration can count on the Equality Caucus as a partner in this fight and to ensure our public health infrastructure has the resources it needs to address this outbreak and keep the American people safe."

Founded in 2008, the mission of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus is to promote equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Caucus, which is led by the nine openly LGBTQ+ members of the House of Representatives, is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. and around the world.

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